Reptile
Papuan Death Adder
Acanthophis laevisAlso known as Smooth-scaled Death Adder, New Guinea Death Adder
Papuan death adders are stocky ambush predators that conceal themselves beneath leaf litter and wiggle the modified worm-like tip of their tail to lure prey within striking distance. Despite their striking visual resemblance to true vipers, these snakes are highly venomous elapids capable of executing a strike in less than a tenth of a second. They inhabit rainforest floors, moist woodlands, and plantation edges across New Guinea and surrounding islands.
VenomousAmbush PredatorReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyLizards, Frogs, Small rodents
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Monitor lizards
- Larger snakes
ThreatsHabitat destruction, human persecution, and poisoning from invasive cane toads
HabitatsTropical rainforests, gallery forests, woodlands, and plantations
Life span10–15 years in the wild
Classification
- FamilyElapidae
- SpeciesAcanthophis laevis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Possesses potent neurotoxic venom; maintain a safe distance and never attempt to approach or handle.
- Why it is dangerous
- Produces neurotoxic venom that rapidly induces muscle paralysis and respiratory breakdown, requiring urgent administration of antivenom.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by its thick body, broad triangular head, smooth dorsal scales, and a distinct thin tail tip used as a lure.
- What to do
- Never attempt to catch, touch, or prod this snake; back away slowly if encountered on a trail.
Responsible observation
- Watch Your Step: Wear sturdy high-topped boots when walking through leaf litter in rainforest trails.
- Maintain Distance: Freeze and step back if spotted, keeping several meters of clear space.
- Use Night Lights: Scan the ground with a powerful flashlight during twilight and nighttime walks.
Co-occurring Elapid (c) Sardaka, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Invasive Threat (c) Connor Margetts, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Connor Margetts · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) dhfischer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by dhfischer · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.